in this section

Outings

Previous Outings 2011

Brainard Lake Full Moon Snowshoe Hike

Jan 19, 2011 (Wed)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the Indian Peaks Group for this always popular hike at Brainard Lake during the light of the full moon. We will hike on the trails and /or the road up to the lake about 2-3 miles r/t with almost no elevation gain. This is an easy hike at a slow pace but it can be very cold and windy there so please come prepared. Bring; very warm clothing, snowshoes, headlamp (with a red lens if possible), water, food and a warm drink if you like. Contact Mike Whiteley (303) 776-7396.

Bierstadt Lake Snowshoe and Pot Luck Lunch

Jan 22, 2011 (Sat)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the Indian Peaks Group on this easy hike from Bear Lake to Bierstadt Lake in RMNP. A wonderful hike through a mature pine forest across the Bierstadt Moraine to a small frozen alpine lake. After the first climb up from Bear Lake, about 1/2 mile and about 500 ft of gain the rest of the hike is rather flat, 5 miles in all. At the lake we will have a pot luck lunch I will bring a main course of soup and everyone else can bring whatever you like and we will all share. Bring; warm clothing, snowshoes, your pot luck dish, and the ten essentials. Contact Mike Whiteley 303-776-7396.

Button Rock Reservoir, Lyons

Jan 29, 2011 (Sat)

Leader Deirdre Butler

Join the Indian Peaks Group on an easy/ moderate hike along the Button Rock Preserve loop. We'll take Sleepy Lion Trail taking us up the mountain side to an expansive grassy meadow and then through forests of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. Excellent views across the valley below and the reservoir. 6 miles RT, 600' elevation gain. Bring warm clothing, food, water and possibly snowshoes. Contact Deirdre Butler (303) 823-8649

Bitterbrush Trail, Hall Ranch, Lyons

Feb 11, 2011 (Fri)

Leader Deirdre Butler

Join the Indian Peaks Group on an easy but exhilarating short hike part way up the Bitterbrush Trail to see the prairie dog colony in a wide expansive meadow at the top of an approximately 8% grade climb. An energizing afternoon hike to start the weekend. About 4 miles RT, 680' elevation gain. Bring warm clothing, a snack, water and possibly snowshoes. Contact Deirdre Butler (303) 823-8649

Emerald Lake Snowshoe

Feb 12, 2011 (Sat)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the Indian Peaks Group for this short but spectacular hike in Rocky Mountian National Park. With about 3.5 miles r/t with 6oo ft of elevation gain and four different lakes along the way this is one of the most popular hikes in the park. Starting at Bear lake we will hike to Nymph, Dream and finally end up at Emerald lake at the base of Flattop Mountain and Hallet peak. For such a short hike there is a wonderful variety of sites and scenery along this hike. Bring: snowshoes, warm clothing, lunch, the ten essentials. Contact: Mike Whiteley (303) 776-7396.

Brainard Lake Full Moon Snowshoe Hike

Feb 18, 2011 (Fri)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the Indian Peaks Group for this always popular hike at Brainard Lake during the light of the full moon. We will hike on the trails and /or the road up to the lake about 2-3 miles r/t with almost no elevation gain. This is an easy hike at a slow pace but it can be very cold and windy there so please come prepared. Bring: very warm clothing, snowshoes, headlamp (with a red lens if possible), water, food and a warm drink if you like. Contact: Mike Whiteley on (303) 776-7396

Nighthawk Trail, Hall Ranch, Lyons

Feb 26, 2011 (Sat)

Leader Deirdre Butler

Join the Indian Peaks Group on this moderately strenuous hike we'll take the (usually!) less traveled Nighthawk Trail moving in a westerly direction through open meadows and forests of ponderosa pine. This North foothills Open Space includes areas of critical wildlife habitat meaning we might be fortunate to see some wildlife - or perhaps just tracks in the snow. 9.4 miles RT, 1,280' elevation gain. Bring warm clothing, lunch, snacks, water, the 10 essentials and possibly snowshoes. Contact Deirdre Butler (303) 823-8649

The Loch Snowshoe, RMNP

Mar 5, 2011 (Sat)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the Indian Peaks Group for this moderate hike of about 5 miles r/t with 1000 ft of elevation gain. A nice hike to one of the parks most popular destinations, beautiful high alpine lake. A wonderful hike at any time of the year but during the winter we will have the added thrill of ascending Icy Brook which in summer is a cascading waterfall but now it is frozen and under several feet of snow allowing us to climb up the narrow canyon carved by the creek. The canyon has steep walls on both sides and at the end we come out of the canyon and on to the lake next to the Cathedral Wall a unique and wonderful route up to a spectacular winter scene. Bring; warm clothes, snowshoes, lunch, water and the Ten Essentials. Contact: Mike Whiteley (303) 776-7396.

Mills Lake Snowshoe, RMNP

Mar 19, 2011 (Sat)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the Indian Peaks Group on this classic Rocky Mountain National Park hike, 5 miles and 700 ft of elevation gain. Named after Enos Mills one of the parks first great benefactors, tirelessly he campaigned for the formation of what is now
Rocky Mountain National Park. The lake named in his honor is no less spectacular than the man, set in Glacier Gorge with a back ground of stunning peaks like Longs, Chiefs Head and McHenerys it is one of the most beautiful lakes in the park. As nice as the destination is the route up to the lake is just as lovely a varied and interesting hike from Glacier Gorge Junction that ends going up a creek bed through a stark black walled canyon just before the lake. Bring; warm clothing, snowshoes, water, lunch and the Ten Essentials. Contact: Mike Whiteley (303) 776-7396

After Work Hike - Royal Arch

Apr 6, 2011 (Wed)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the Indian Peaks Group for this short but steep early spring hike only 3 miles round trip but with 1270 ft of elevation gain there are some steep sections along this hike. Starting at Chautauqua Park in Boulder we start out in a large meadow but then climb up through the trees along the Flatirons. Somewhat strenuous in parts this is a good warm up hike to start off the new hiking season with. The hike ends at a wonderful natural rock arch with great views of Boulder and the front range. We will meet at the Chautauqua Park Ranger building at 5:30pm (it is at about 9th and Baseline in Boulder) Bring; hiking shoes, water, sun screen, sun glasses, rain jacket and a headlamp. Just meet at the trailhead or contact Mike Whiteley 303-776-7396 with any questions that you have or if you would like to car pool from Longmont.

After Work Hike - Walker Ranch

Apr 13, 2011 (Wed)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Meet the Indian Peaks Group for this easy evening hike, at 2.5 miles and about 500 ft of elevation gain this is a nice hike in the foothills of Boulder. An old farmstead with the remains of some of the buildings still standing this is a unique area with the feel of a time long gone by. We will meet at the Walker Ranch/ South Boulder Creek Parking Area at 5:30pm, which is about 7.8 miles up Flagstaff rd in Boulder. Bring; hiking shoes, water, sunscreen, Sun glasses, rain jacket and a headlamp. Meet at the trailhead or contact Mike Whiteley 303-776-7396 with any questions that you might have or if you would like to carpool from Longmont.

Calypso Cascades, RMNP

Apr 16, 2011 (Sat)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the Indian Peaks Group for an easy hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. About 3.4 miles with about 700ft of elevation gain. The hike goes along a beautiful creek for most of the time and ends at the cascades, basically a low angle waterfall over many large rocks. A short but wonderful hike through a forest of aspen, spruce and pine. Most likely there will be some snow left depending on the weather you may need snowshoes stablicers or the like. If there is new snow the road maybe closed about a mile back which will add two more miles to the hike if this is they case we will decide on weather to shorten the hike or go the extra mileage depending how everyone feels on the day. Bring; boots, snowshoes or stablicers, water, food, consider the Ten Essentials. Contact Mike Whiteley 303-776-7396 to sign up and for more information.

After Work Hike - Betasso Preserve and Bummers Rock

Apr 20, 2011 (Wed)

Leader Mike Whiteley

A easy loop hike of 3 miles with an optional .6 mile hike to the Bummers rock and over look. An Indian Peaks Group hike along a up and down trail with about 500 ft of elevation gain that makes a nice through meadows and forests up above Boulder in the foothills. We will meet at the Betasso Preserve Trailhead at 5:30pm to get there go up Boulder Canyon starting on Canyon Blvd a few miles and turn right on Sugarloaf Road drive .9 of a mile turn right again on Betasso Road then take the fork to the left into the parking lot. Bring; hiking shoes, water, rain jacket, sunscreen, sun glasses and a headlamp. Meet at the trailhead or contact Mike Whiteley 303-776-7396 with any questions or if you would like to carpool from Longmont.

After Work Bike and Hike - Pella Crossing - Longmont

Apr 27, 2011 (Wed)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the IPG for this combination bike ride and hike in and just outside of Longmont, an easy 6 mile round trip bike ride and a 1-2 mile hike with very little elevation gain for either. A nice spring outing from Longmont to a small group of lakes just outside of town. On a bike we will travel from Rogerís Grove in Longmont along the bike path and then along the road out and through the small town of Hygiene to Pella Crossing a park and small group of lakes. Once there we will hike out and around some of the lakes the distance can very depending on how many lakes we walk around. We will have a picnic dinner at the park and then return back to Rogers Grove by bike. Bring your bike, helmet, light, lock, hiking shoes, rain jacket, water, dinner, sunglasses. We will meet in the Rogerís Grove parking lot at 5:30 which is on the East side of Hover just South of the intersection of 3rd Ave and Hover. For more information contact Mike Whiteley 303-776-7396.

Chasm Lake, RMNP

May 1, 2011 (Sun)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Come with the Indian Peaks Group to one of the most beautiful lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park and Colorado. It is simply just a stunning setting as the lake sets just at the bottom of the East face of longs Peak towering a half a mile above the lake. The East face is a world class technical rock climb and is very popular during the summer. The trail up to the lake is also stunning starting deep in the forest and ending high above tree line. The hike is a difficult hike at about 8.4 miles round trip with about 2360 ft of elevation gain. You will need some type of small crampons like stabilizers or the like as there will be some old snow and ice. Near the end of the hike just before the lake there are two sections of possible Ice depending on the weather these maybe to hard to cross safely with out more advanced mountaineering gear if this the case we will not cross those areas. Bring; boots, stabelicers lunch, a warm jacket and the ten essentials. Contact; Mike Whiteley 303-776-7396.

After Work Hike - Homestead Trail

May 4, 2011 (Wed)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the Indian Peaks Group for this short hike near Eldorado Canyon. A 2.5 mile loop hike with about 600 ft of elevation gain this is an easy hike near Eldorado Canyon State park just South of Boulder. We will meet at the Mesa Trailhead at 5:30pm to get there go South out of Boulder on highway 93 and turn right / West onto highway 170 toward Eldorado Canyon State Park / Eldorado Springs the trailhead is on the right about 1 mile before Eldorado Canyon (Mesa Trailhead). Bring some water, rain jacket, sun glasses, sunscreen, snacks and hiking shoes. Meet at the trailhead at 5:30, for more information contact Mike Whiteley 303-776-7396.

After Work Hike: Flagstaff Mountain

May 11, 2011 (Wed)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the IPG for this moderate hike up Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder, 3 miles r/t with about 1100 ft of elevation gain. It is a nice hike just on the edge of Boulder up hill but not too steep with great views looking out over Boulder. Bring hiking shoes, water, snack, rain jacket. Meet at the trailhead at the Chautauqua Park Ranger Station, 9th and Baseline in Boulder, at 5:30pm or contact Mike Whiteley; 303-776-7396 for more information or if you would like to carpool from Longmont.

After Work Hike - Mount Sanitas

May 25, 2011 (Wed)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the IPG for this moderate evening hike on this very popular trail in the foot hills near Boulder. A 3.1 mile loop hike with about 1343 ft of elevation gain and wonderful views out toward the eastern plains. Meet at the Mt Sanitas Trailhead at 5:30 (off of Mapleton just past 4th st in Boulder) and bring hiking shoes, rain jacket, water and snacks. For more information contact Mike Whiteley 303-776-7396.

Jem Lake, RMNP

May 28, 2011 (Sat)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the IPG for this nice short hike in the Lumpy Ridge area of Rocky Mountain National Park. The hike is 3.6 miles r/t with about 910 ft of elevation gain. The hike goes through a mixed forest and the unique rock formations of Lumpy Ridge to reach the small but cute Jem Lake. Bring hiking shoes, rain gear, sunglasses, sunscreen, water and lunch. Contact Mike Whiteley on (303) 776-7396.

Evening Bike Ride - St Vrain Greenway, Longmont

Jun 1, 2011 (Wed)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the Indian Peaks Group of the Sierra Club for this easy bike ride along the St Vrain River in Longmont. The ride will be on the St Vrain Greenway Bike Path a relative new bike way that goes through Longmont and then out on to the eastern plains. It will be about 12 miles if we ride the whole trail but there will be a shorter option as well. We will ride at an easy pace on the multi use trail traveling through parks and open space along the river and farm land. Meet at the Rogers Grove trailhead and parking lot at 5:30pm (3rd and Hover in Longmont) Bring your bike, helmet, water, rain jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, and food for dinner. For more information contact Mike Whiteley on (303) 776-7396.

Hike: Mud Lake, Nederland

Jun 4, 2011 (Sat) 10am

Leader Alan Apt

This is an easy outing suitable for families. Mud Lake is a Boulder County Open Space Area 2.5 miles north of Nederland at around 8,200 feet. It features two easy loop trails that include circumnavigating the small lake. The total hike for both loops is 2.6 miles with approximately 200 feet of elevation gain and loss. If the weather cooperates, there are nice views of Bald and Audubon Mountains. Deer and moose sometimes visit the area, and lake has a frog family sometimes in residence. Bring water, a snack, a warm jacket and hat, in case the wind is blowing down from the Continental Divide. Information about the Indian Peaks Group's effort to establish a Solar Garden will also be discussed Contact, Alan Apt, (303) 258-2456

After Work Hike - Betasso Preserve - Benjamin Loop

June 8, 2011 (Wed)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the IPG on this new trail at Betasso Preserve for an easy evening hike. Just opened the Benjamin Loop is a 3 mile loop hike similar to the older loop at Betasso expect nice views and abundant wild flowers along the trail. The trail is normally heavily used by mountain bikers but is closed to bikes on Wednesdays so it should be nice for hiking. We will meet at the Betasso Preserve trailhead and parking lot at 5:30 (upper or eastern lot) (take Canyon from Boulder west for a few miles and turn right on Sugarloaf rd , then drive .9 mile, turn right onto Betasso rd then take the left fork into the parking lots and go to the right parking lot. Bring hiking shoes, water, food for dinner, rain jacket, sunglasses and sunscreen. Contact Mike Whiteley 303-776-7396 for more information.

Abyss Lake Trail, Granella Pass

June 11, 2011 (Sat) 8:30

Leader Kathleen Flynn

Enjoy an early summer hike with Denver Metro Outings. We will be hiking part of the beautiful Abyss Lake trail in the Granella Pass area, one of my top 5 favorite hikes. After a mile or so through a forest, we will cross Scott Gomer Creek and enter a beautiful valley framed by Mt. Bierstadt on our left. To hike the entire trail would be 16 miles RT but we will hike only about half that distance, making it a moderate hike of 8 miles r/t with about 1000ft of elevation gain/loss. This trail provides a great variety of scenery from beaver ponds to aspen groves. To reach the trail head we will carpool south on Hwy 285 to Grant and then take a dirt road 5.5 miles to a large parking area. The road is rutted and has "washboards" so an all-wheel vehicle is preferred, but not necessary. Passengers please contribute 10 cents per mile to drivers. Minimum number of hikers 3, maximum 12. Be sure to wear sturdy boots and bring the ten essentials. Contact Kathleen Flynn to sign up at kflynn008@gmail.com or 303 423-8785. Be sure to leave your phone number.

After Work Hike - Rabbit Mountain - Eagle Wind Trail

Jun 15, 2011 (Wed)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the IPG for this easy hike in the foothills near Lyons. About 3 miles with about 400 ft of elevation gain this is an easy hike with views of the plains. The hikes goes up and then around the top of a hill with views all around. We will meet at the Rabbit Mountain Trailhead at 5:30 (drive up 36 from boulder turn right on 66 and go about a mile and turn North on 53rd and go about 2 miles to the trailhead on the left or drive out on 66 from Longmont and turn right / North on 53rd and go 2 miles to the trailhead. Bring; hiking boots (Rabbit Mountain is nicknamed; Rattlesnake Mountain !) water, sunglasses, sunscreen, food for dinner. For more information contact Mike Whiteley 303-776-7396.

Black Lake - Glacier Gorge, RMNP

Jun 18, 2011, (Sat)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Come with the Indian Peaks Group of the Sierra Club on this beautiful hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. One of the most scenic areas in the park Glacier Gorge has it all, Alberta Falls, Mills Lake, Longs Peak and the keyboard of the winds are all sites along this hike to Black Lake. The lake sits at the end of the gorge surrounded by water falls and high rock walls. This is a difficult hike of about ten miles with 1440 ft of elevation gain but well worth it as few hikes have this much scenery all in one spot. Bring hiking boots, lunch and the ten essentials. Contact Mike Whiteley to sign up 303-776-7396. For more info, map and pictures see; http://www.thespiritoftherockies.net/spirit/Hikes/BlackLake/BlackLake.html

Paddling Night - Lake Macintosh, Longmont

Jun 22, 2011

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the IPG for an easy night of canoeing or kayaking in Longmont on Lake Macintosh. The lake has great views of Longs Peak and the front range and we will paddle as the sunsets across the lake. You can use any boat that you can carry to the lake and does not have a motor. Or I do have some canoes and kayaks that you can use but the quantities are limited and available to the first ones that sign up. You will need a boat, paddle, PFD, water, snacks, sunglasses. You do not really need any paddling experience but must be able to swim. Contact; Mike Whiteley 303-776-7396.

After Work Hike - Button Rock Preserve

Jun 29, 2011 (Wed)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the Indian Peaks Group for this easy evening hike in the foothills Northwest of Lyons. A 4 mile hike with about 500 ft of elevation gain along the Sleepy Lion Trail and service road near Ralph Price Reservoir. Starting out on the road we will shortly turn on to the trail which winds its way through pine forests, open meadows and then ends up back at the road at the spillway of the dam. We then will follow the road and river back to our cars. Meet at the trailhead at 5:30. Take us 36 from Boulder through Lyons and turn left on CR 80 about 4 miles out of Lyons continue about 2.8 miles to the trailhead and Parking. Bring hiking shoes, snacks or dinner, the ten essentials. Contact Mike Whiteley with any questions or if you would like to carpool from Longmont; 303-776-7396.

North Inlet Backpack - Lakes Nokoni and Nanita, RMNP

July 1-3, 2011, (Fri-Sun)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the IPG for three days of backpacking and hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. Starting from the North Inlet trailhead on the west side of the park we will backpack in to our base camp at the Porcupine campsite. It is about 6 miles with 700ft of elevation gain on a gentle up hill trail along North Inlet Creek to the campsite, once at the campsite we will spend two nights there. The next morning we will hike (without camping gear) up to Lake Nokoni and Nanita a beautiful pair of high alpine lakes, about 8 miles r/t to both lakes but we will have the option of only going to the first one if we like. We will return back to camp for our second night and the next morning backpack back out to the trail head. Lake Nanita is one of the most photogenic lakes in the park and is hard to reach with out backpacking. This would be a good trip for a beginner backpacker and I can help anyone with any questions if you are new to it. I will provide all of the food, kitchen equipment and water filtration. Once you sign up I will send you an equipment list of everything that you will need. There is a charge of $30 for the trip to cover the cost of the food and permits which will need to be paid before you will be signed up for the trip and is nonrefundable after June 23rd. There is a limit of 7 people for the trip. Contact Mike Whiteley at 303-776-7396 mgwhiteley@q.com

After Work Hike Caribou Ranch Open Space

July 6, 2011 (Wed)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the IPG for this easy evening hike up above Boulder just off of Peak to Peak Highway. A 4.5 mile hike with little elevation change this will be a nice walk through, open meadows, stands of aspen and pine forests. Along the way there is also a an old homestead as well as an old mine. The Blue Bird Mine is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a Historic District. We will meet at the trailhead at 6pm which is off of peak to peak highway. Take 119 from Boulder to Nederland turn right (North) on to CO 72 (Peak to Peak) go north about 1.9 miles and turn left on CR 126 and drive west about .9 miles to the parking area on the left. Bring hiking shoes, food for dinner, the ten essentials. Contact Mike Whiteley with any questions or if you would like to carpool from Longmont or Boulder; 303-776-7396.

Calypso Cascades Hike and Special Movie Event - Lords of Nature; Life in the Land of Great Predators

Jul 13, 2011 (Wed)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the IPG for this easy weekday hike and then a special movie in Estes Park. The hike is a easy hike along Ouzel Creek full of water from all of the late snow melt. At 3.6 miles r/t with 300 ft of elevation gain it will be a nice afternoon hike. After the hike we will go on up to Estes Park to see the movie ďLords of Nature; Life in the Land of Great PredatorsĒ at 7 pm. (see more info about the movie here) . We will meet in Lyons at 2pm to carpool to the hike and movie. Bring; hiking boots, rain gear, food for dinner, water, sunglasses, sunscreen. Contact Mike Whiteley; (303) 776-7396 or mgwhiteley@q.com

Photography and Backpacking on the North Inlet-Tonahutu Creek Loop, RMNP, Colorado

July 17-22, 2011

Leader Mike Whiteley

Enjoy 6 days of backpacking on the west side of RMNP on these classic trails and learn about contemporary landscape photography along the way. We will have 4 days of backpacking and two layover days for day hiking and photographing. Altogether about 28 miles of backpacking with about 4000ft of elevation gain and loss. This is a National Outing and has a cost of $725 which includes all of the food and kitchen equipment and all permits and fees. For more information contact Mike Whiteley 303-776-7396 mgwhiteley@q.com or see the link below. http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/national/brochure/11153a.aspx

After Work Hike - Peaceful Valley Wild Flower Hike

Aug 3, 2011 (Wed)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the IPG for this easy evening hike near the Indian Peaks Wilderness. A 5 mile r/t hike with 500ft of elevation gain/loss. The hike goes through a forest and along meadows and streams with a large variety of late season wild flowers. Bring; water, rain jacket, food, sun glasses, sun screen. Contact Mike Whiteley 303-776-7396 to sign up.

After Work Hike - Lost Lake

Aug 10, 2011 (Wed)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the Indian Peaks Group for this evening hike from the town of Hesse to Lost Lake just outside of the Indian Peaks Wilderness. A 4 mile r/t hike with 600ft of elevation gain to a alpine lake just below the continental divide. A easy to moderate hike through sub alpine forest and wild flowers to the lake sitting just below rugged peaks. Bring; water, boots, food, rain jacket, headlamp. Contact; Mike Whiteley 303-776-7396.

Sunset Paddling - Lake Macintosh, Longmont

Aug 17, 2011 (Wed)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the IPG for an evening of easy paddling on Macintosh Lake in Longmont. We will meet on the South side of the lake at the boat launch on Lake Shore Dr and spend an hour or two on the water, you can spend as much or as little as you want. It is a wonderful time to be on the lake as the sun sets to the west behind Longs peak. You can bring your own boat or I have some kayaks and canoes that people are welcome to use and also know where you can rent a kayak that they will bring to the lake for you. This is a good place to try a kayak if you never have before. Bring a boat, paddle, PFD, water, food for dinner or snacks. Contact; Mike Whiteley for better directions and to reserve or rent a boat, 303-776-7396 mgwhiteley@q.com

Hike: Mount Audubon

Aug 20, 2011 (Sat)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the Indian peaks group for a climb of one of the easier 13erís in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. A strenuous hike of 7 miles r/t with about 2800ft of elevation gain with a bit of class 2 scrambling near the top. A classic IPW peak with spectacular views from the summit of the other peaks in the wilderness and RMNP to the north. The trailhead for this hike is in the Brainard Lake recreation area and does require a fee to get in. Because of thunderstorms and parking expect an early start. Bring; boots, lunch, warm clothing for the summit and the ten essentials. Mike Whiteley 303-776-7396.

Beyond Beginners: High Alpine Discovery in the Maroon Bells, Colorado

Aug 21-27, 2011

Leader Deirdre Butler

A week long backpack through the high alpine tundra of the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness. Your leaders will foster a friendly environment for daily tutorials on topics of the groupís choosing, including map reading and navigation. Our hike takes us through steep-walled valleys, past glistening snowmelt streams, and under groves of quaking aspen and shady spruce/fir forests. We'll set up camp near the shores of a reflective alpine tarn, nestled below one of Colorado's grandest peaks. Above timberline, we'll encounter scraggly, wind-pruned krummholz and carpets of alpine wildflowers set against a sea of snowcapped peaks. We'll also likely see elk, deer, marmots, and pikas. This is a National Outing and has a cost of $1195 for more information contact; Deirdre Butler, deirdre@cogico.com or see this link http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/national/brochure/11166a.aspx

After Work Hike - Mesa Trail Boulder

Aug 24, 2011 (Wed)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Meet the Indian Peaks Group at Chautauqua Park Ranger Station for this Classic Hike in Boulder. 6.1 miles with no elevation gain but about 1000ft of gain and loss along the trail. A wonderful classic hike along the Flatirons with great views of the front range mountains as well as out on the plains. To do the whole we will need to do a car shuttle to Eldorado Canyon otherwise we will just go part way out and back. We will meet at Chautauqua Park at 5:30, bring; hiking shoes, water, food, rain jacket, head lamp. Contact Mike Whiteley to sign up 303-776-7396.

Mount Ida, RMNP

Aug 27, 2011 (Sat)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the Indian Peaks Group for this climb on the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail starts at Milner Pass along Trail Ridge Road and climbs through sub alpine forest until it comes out above tree line following a steep unmaintained trail without switch backs to the summit. At 9 miles r/t this is a strenuous hike with about 2300ft of elevation gain. There are spectacular views of the Never Summer Range, George Lakes, Big Meadow and Lake Granby. Bring, Boots, Food, water, the ten essentials. Plan on an early start. Contact Mike Whiteley 303-776-7396.

After Work Bike Ride - Cherry Creek Bike Path, Denver

Aug 31, 2011(Wed)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the Denver Metro Outings on an evening bike ride along the bike trails in Denver. Starting at Confluence Park we will ride through downtown along the Cherry Creek bike path at an easy to moderate pace for a total of 10-15 miles or as time permits. See and explore some the sites of Denver at a casual pace from your bike. Bring bike, helmet, water, snacks rain jacket. Contact Mike Whiteley to sign up and for carpool information 303-776-7396.

Mount Chiquita, RMNP

Sept 3, 2011 (Sat)

Leader Mike Whiteley

One of the easiest 13erís in Colorado Mount Chiquita is a great climb for your first time at high altitude. Join the IPG for this short but strenuous climb to one of the spectacular peaks in RMNP. Because of the trailhead being on Old Fall River Road the hike is much shorter than what many peaks are, 4.8 miles r/t with 2429ft of elevation gain this is a climb that most average hikers can do. Even though it is a shorter hike it still has all of the views and thrill of being above tree line. As part of the Mummy Range and part of the famous Colorado Grand Slam, a serious of six peaks that can be climbed all in one day in a very long hike Chiquita is a wonderful place to start climbing. Bring; boots, water, lunch, the ten essentials. Plan on a very early start. Contact Mike Whiteley 303-776-7396.

Sunset Paddling - Lake Macintosh, Longmont

Sept 7, 2011 (Wed)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the IPG for an evening of easy paddling on Macintosh Lake in Longmont. We will meet on the South side of the lake at the boat launch on Lake Shore Dr and spend an hour or two on the water, you can spend as much or as little as you want. It is a wonderful time to be on the lake as the sun sets to the west behind Longs peak. You can bring your own boat or I have some kayaks and canoes that people are welcome to use and also know where you can rent a kayak that they will bring to the lake for you. This is a good place to try a kayak if you never have before. Bring a boat, paddle, PFD, water, food for dinner or snacks. Contact; Mike Whiteley for better directions and to reserve or rent a boat, 303-776-7396.

Lake Isabelle, IPW - After Work Hike and Pot Luck Dinner

Sept 14, 2011 (Wed)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the Indian Peaks Group for this short hike to one of the lakes in the wilderness, at 4 miles r/t and with just 388 ft of elevation gain this is an easy hike to a beautiful high alpine lake. Often very crowded on the weekends on a weekday evening there should not be so many people and better solitude. A very pretty hike through forests along Long Lake and on to Lake Isabelle with a stunning back drop of many of the high peaks of the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Once at the lake we will have dinner with each person bringing something to share with the group. Bring hiking shoes, water food to share for dinner, rain jacket and head lamp. Contact Mike Whiteley 303-776-7396.

Summit County Bike Ride

Sept 21, 2011 (Wed)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the DMO for a weekday bike ride up in Summit County. With all of the splendor of the fall colors we will ride along the bike trail from Breckenridge to Copper Mountain or possibly Vail Pass and back. About 28 or 40 miles round trip with a good 1000 ft or more of elevation gain. The trails goes from the town of Breckenridge through Frisco, Copper Mountain and then tops out at Vail Pass along I-70. Though the trail does follow I-70 for a good part of the ride it is not that noticeable most of the time. The Aspens trees should be in full color at this time of year making for a great time to ride. We will plan on going up in the morning and having an after ride lunch in Breckenridge before we drive back home. Bring bike, helmet, spare tube, rain jacket, snacks, water. Contact Mike Whiteley 303-776-7396.

Bear, Odessa and Fern Lakes, RMNP

September 24, 2011 (Sat)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the IPG on this classic fall hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, stands of Aspen at the beginning and end of the hike make for a stunning fall Colorado mountain experience. Add to that four lakes a water fall, the breathtaking Odessa Gorge and the elk in full rut at the end of the hike you end up with one spectacular hike and a great day in the mountains. The hikes is a moderate hike at 8.5 miles with 1215 ft of elevation gain, the elevation gain all comes at the beginning of the hike with in the first 2 miles then after that it is mostly all down hill to the end. We will use a car shuttle and or the shuttle bus to get to Bear Lake for the start of the hike and will start midday so that we end the hike in the evening in Moraine Park to see the elk. Bring hiking boots, food for lunch, water and the Ten essentials. Contact Mike Whiteley; 303-776-7396.

Dog Friendly Hike - Lion Gulch Trail, Roosevelt National Forest

September 24 (Sat)

Leader Melissa Gardner

Join the IPG and friends, (both human and canine) for a charming and scenic hike that crosses several delightful mountain streams. This is a moderate trek of about 6 miles r/t with about 1300 ft of elevation to a valley that was homesteaded by pioneers in the late 1800's. Eight abandoned but historic homesteads still remain. We'll hike 2.7 miles to the first site where we'll have lunch and tour the other homesteads. This is a dog friendly trail, but dogs are optional. Bring the 10 essentials, a sack lunch, and plenty of water for both yourself and fido, if you bring him/her. (Bring a snack for Fido too!) Please only bring dogs that socialize well with other dogs. Dog leashes are required. Contact: Melissa Gardner (303) 847-8165.

Dog Friendly Hike to Lily Mountain

Saturday, October 1st

Leader Melissa Gardner

Join the IPG and friends, (both human and canine) for a scenic hike that ends
with a summit view comparable to that of a 14-er. This is a moderate 1.9 mile trek
with an elevation gain of 940 feet, from 8,800 feet to 9,740 feet. The first half of this trail is
an easy, rolling hike. The second half of the trail is more difficult and the final several hundred
feet of trail requires the use of your hands to pull yourself up over rocks and boulders. We'll have
lunch on top where we will enjoy a spectacular 360 degree view of Longs Peak, Mount Meeker,
Twin Sisters Mountain, Estes Cone, and Estes Valley. This is a dog friendly trail, but dogs are optional.
Bring the 10 essentials, a sack lunch, and plenty of water for both yourself and fido, if you bring him/her.
Please only bring dogs that socialize well with other dogs. Dog leashes are required.
Contact: Melissa Gardner 303-847-8165. Limited to only the first 12 people to sign up.

Hike: Chasm Lake, RMNP

Oct 02, 2011 (Sat)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the IPG for this wonderful hike to one of the most beautiful lakes in all of Rocky Mountain National Park. The Lake sits just below the Diamond on Longs Peakís East face, rising over 2000ft above the lake the East face of Longs is a world class climbing destination and you will often see climbers on the wall. At 8.4 miles r/t and with 2360 ft of elevation gain this is a strenuous hike but one of the best hikes in the park. Start at the Longs Peak trailhead the route climbs steadily all the way up first through forests and then later above tree line through the high alpine tundra to the junction where the trail splits to go up the keyhole route to Longs Peak. After this junction we will walk high above Peacock pool with amazing views of both Mt Meeker as well as Longs Peak. Bring; Hiking Boots, Water, Food for lunch and the Ten Essentials. Contact; Mike Whiteley 303-776-7396.

Hike: Caribou Ranch

Oct 22, 2011 (Sat)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the IPG for this easy hike on Boulder County Open Space, about a five mile hike with very little elevation gain. A ranch that was used as a recording studio for various rock musicians during the 70ís and 80ís but was originally used for ranching and mining. A montane forest area with lots Aspen making it a wonderful area to hike in during the fall. Many elk use the area during the fall for the rut and as well you will often see deer and many birds along the hike. Bring; warm clothing, hiking shoes, lunch, water, rain jacket, sun glasses and sun screen. Contact; Mike Whiteley 303-776-7396.

Hike: Walker Ranch

Oct 30, 2011 (Sun)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the IPG for this moderate hike in the foot hills above Boulder about 7.5 miles with about 500 ft of elevation gain and lost. A nice loop hike along South boulder creek, through forests and meadows that was once one of the largest cattle ranches in the area. The hike starts up above the creek along the top of the canyon then drops down to the creek across to the other side and then back down and along the creek again. Bring; warm clothing, hiking shoes, water, lunch, sun glasses and sunscreen. Contact Mike Whiteley 303-776-7396.

Denver Art Gallery Bike Tour

Nov 5, 2011 (Sat)

Join the DMO for a tour of some of Denverís best galleries by bike. The bike ride will be easy maybe about ten miles total but we will be riding on the streets in downtown Denver. Starting at the Denver Art Museum we will then go to Robischon, Rule, and Plus galleries and maybe the Museum of Contemporary Art if time on the way back. It will take most of the afternoon but should be a different type of outing. We will meet at the Denver Art Museum and have a car pool from Longmont/ Boulder area. Bring; bike, helmet, spare tube, warm clothing, (the Contemporary Art Museum has a $10 fee but the others are free) Contact; Mike Whiteley to sign up 303-776-7396.

Emerald Lake Photography Hike, RMNP

Nov 12, 2011 (Sat)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the Indian Peaks Group for this short hike in the early morning to photograph at the lake. One of the most photographed lakes and as well as one of the most popular hikes in the park it is a 3.6 mile hike r/t with about 600 ft of elevation gain. We will start early in the morning, about dawn in order to have nice light while at the lake for photography, we will also take our time so that people can stop to photograph along the way up and back. Most likely we will need snowshoes for the hike so bring them as well as warm clothing, water, food, camera, gloves, warm hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Not photographers are welcome on the hike as well but be prepared for a very early start and a slow hike. Contact Mike Whiteley; 303-776-7396.

Hike Black Lake, RMNP

Dec 4, (Sun)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the Indian Peaks Group for this strenuous snowshoe hike in one of the most beautiful areas in Rocky Mountain National Park, Glacier Gorge. A 10.5 mile hike r/t with about 1400 ft of elevation gain through Glacier Gorge past Mills Lake and finally to Black Lake. The lake sits below steep walls of granite covered with ice whoís stark beauty is stunning in winter. Please come prepared for harsh winter conditions bring; warm clothing, hat, gloves, snowshoes, food for lunch, water, the ten essentials. Contact; Mike Whiteley 303-776-7396.

Full Moon Snowshoe - Brainard Lake

Dec 10, 2011 (Sat)

Leader Mike Whiteley

Join the Indian Peaks Group for this always popular night of hiking during the full moon. Hiking along the road and trails of the Brainard Lake Recreation area near Ward Colorado this will be an easy hike of 3-5 miles with little elevation gain. Hiking at night during the full moon is a wonderful experience but Brainard Lake can be very cold and at times very windy so please come prepared for the cold weather. Bring; food, water, very warm clothing, hat, gloves, snowshoes and a headlamp (with a red light if possible). Contact; Mike Whiteley; 303-776-7396.